Service--What is it?

Of course, all of us can say that we knew that. We can say that
we saw it on the news one day or that our history teacher was
discussing some vague issue in some ambiguous manner with us; but
what are we doing about it? Poverty and suffering have a
very obvious correlation that we can link with a slew of
statistics and data. However, I'm not here to give you that
litany of things. I'm here to do and help you do what business,
ads and non-profits can't do for you: get up and act.

Disease is so prevalent, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, that
we are actually becoming complacent with the idea that "bad
things" are happening there. Instead of that, we should be
stronger and more affected now than ever. So, I've decided to
take the space/ time in this post to detail a plan of things that
we should/ could do in order to better help resolve the problem
of poverty and disease within our own communities and of course
extending to the global mindset, something which is inherent when
charity starts at home:

a) Let's stop complaining! One thing we should understand is that
no matter what little, petty things may happen to us, there is a
child or another human soul which somewhere in the world is going
through some torture which he/she does not deserve. It's okay to
feel sad or angry, just don't let it get in the way of efficacy
and action. Remember, put others before yourself if you are in a
position to work and help others.

b) Start small and think big. Projects, services and ventures do
not just magically develop overnight. Think about it in terms of
your education: did you know how to read before you learned the
alphabet? The same way, keep your goals high because it serves as
motivation but remember that every kind deed you commit yourself
to has a positive consequence somewhere down the road.

c) Educate yourself. There is no use in acknowledging that an
issue is prevalent without actually knowing why or how. You don't
have to write a book about it; just connect yourself and most
importantly, keep yourself abreast of developments in the area
(e.g. UN work, UNICEF aid programs, national initiatives).

d) Take a stand. Start helping members of your community because
a little work goes a long way. For example, start a canned food
drive to help underprivileged members of your neighborhood, or
volunteer at a local hospital to help care for patients with
AIDS, cancer, whatever it may be; organize small fundraisers
within your community to raise money to give to funds like UNICEF
or UNAID, perhaps one you are familiar with at home. Give
connection to others by writing...on sites like VOY!

e) Lastly, develop a passion. Nothing good comes from banal work
and mundane, robotic processes. Whether you focus your efforts on
providing education or women's rights, make sure you feel as
strongly about it as you do about your own life.